Motorcycle Sales Soar To Record Levels In Australia

2008 wasn’t just a record year for car sales in Australia, motorcycles were also bought in higher numbers than ever before.

Official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 134,112 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles were sold last year - an increase of 3.2 per cent (4,146 units) over the previous record set in 2007.

"This is an outstanding result and the highest sales figure on record," FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

The road bike segment saw the most growth, with 49,387 sales in total – an increase of 8.5 percent on the previous year, with Cruisers retaining leadership of the road-bike sub-segments with 13,156 sales ahead of 250cc (11,053 sales) and super sports (8,630).

"The increasing array of motorcycles on the market means that there are models on offer to suit the varying tastes and needs of riders, whether it is for daily commuting or recreation," Mr McKellar said.

Scooters also remained extremely popular, with 15,364 finding new homes during 2008 - a 7.6 percent increase compared to 2007.

"Many people, particularly those who live and work in busy cities, are being drawn to scooters in record numbers because of their obvious convenience and practicality," Mr McKellar said.

Sales of ATVs increased by 1.2 percent during the year to 19,990 units, thanks to the agricultural segment. Interestingly, sales of off-road motorcycles fell two per cent to 49,411 units. It is only speculation, but a larger percentage of off-road bike sales (compared to other bike types) would be for recreational purposes, and maybe the current economic conditions has seen these buyers retreat to their burrows for a while.

Honda maintained its market leadership in 2008 with 32,651 sales, followed by Yamaha with 28,004 and Suzuki with 18,314 sales.